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THE SEVENTH SISTER…
THE EAST HADDAM HOME OF WILLIAM GILLETTE

The bank of the Connecticut River in East Haddam is defined by a chain of seven forested hills known as the Seven Sisters.

William Hooker Gillette chose to design and build his “castle,” formally known as the Seventh Sister, on the peak of the southernmost of those hills overlooking the historic landing of the ferry from Hadlyme to Chester and surveying a broad sweep of the river as it widens near Long Island Sound. The 24-room mansion is indeed reminiscent of a medieval fortress on the Rhine River, and its 184-acre natural surroundings are laced with pathways ideal for an easy walk with family and friends.

The castle was built to very modern standards for the years 1914-1919: it took 20 men five years to assemble its steel framework and nest thousands of tons of local fieldstone in its walls, and hand-hew the interior woodwork from solid white oak. Gillette himself did most of the design and drafting, incorporating ingenious design tricks which undoubtedly reflected his stage days.
The 47 doors – no two identical – sliding table, built-in couches, clever locks, numerous interior windows, and other curious details are hallmarks of this playful, theatric creativity.

The expansive grounds were also touched by his imagination. He had a fascination with railroads and operated a miniature train with some three miles of track laid throughout the woodland and granite ledges. Indeed, he delighted in playing the “engineer” of his steam and electric engines for distinguished guests from around the world. The Seventh Sister Short-Line railway once had trestles, bridges, a tunnel, and a Grand Central Station — adorned with two sculptures of cats, among the 60 cat images in and around the estate.

Join us as we appreciate Gillette’s eccentric, cheerful genius, and share it with others who visit his home!

A National Treasure Gillette Castle – completed in 1919 as the home of one of the most celebrated stage and film actors of the early 20th century – is a national treasure, a jewel in the park and forest system of the State of Connecticut. Purchased by the State in 1943, the castle attracts more than 200,000 people every year. As a public resource of history and beauty, it has increasingly provided the setting for memorable celebrations with family and friends. The castle is a fitting centerpiece for the green valley of the lower Connecticut river, itself designated a “Last Great Place” by The Nature Conservancy. Its buildings and estate of 184 wooded acres have been newly renovated and restored to preserve its heritage for generations to come. In addition to important work on the castle which was completed in 2002, the project included a new and striking center for individual visitors, families, and organizations. The center opened in May 2003; it features a small auditorium, gift shop, exhibit area, and special-events plaza. Stop in and tour! Volunteers are essential in the operation of the park’s gift shop. In addition to the improvements administered by the State Department of Environmental Protection, much of the event planning, gardening, and visitor hosting is the work of the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park. This corps of volunteers is dedicated to preserving the castle’s heritage — and providing you with an enjoyable experience as you stroll its paths or examine its unique architecture from many picture-perfect vantage points.
The Friends of Gillette Castle is a nonprofit, all-volunteer group which raises funds to help restore the grounds for the benefit of all. We invite you to join and support us whether you live nearby or far away. We originated in 1998 and need YOUR help! William Gillette (1853-1937); was a stage and screen “superstar” who created the role of master detective Sherlock Holmes...he starred in thousands of productions; wrote 13 original plays and dozens of adaptations; last appeared on stage May 12, 1932; had 17 cats; had a yacht named Aunt Polly; had a caretaker, Osaki, who lived in a house which still stands on the riverbank; was the son of a U.S. Senator and a prominent Hartford socialite; and received honorary doctorate degrees from Yale, Dartmouth, Trinity, and Columbia. The Castle Building is 200 feet above the river and is made of local granite fieldstone covering steel beams. It was designed by Gillette himself. The Grounds are 184 acres of natural woodland and granite ledge that overlook the Connecticut Riverand and the adjoining 250-year-old Hadlyme Ferry, The Railroad was called the Seventh Sister Short- Line and had a steam and an electric engine (now being restored)that could carry 28 passenger. It had 3.2 miles of track,bridges, trestles, and a tunnel which are now part of walking trails.
THE SEVENTH SISTER… THE EAST HADDAM HOME OF WILLIAM GILLETTE The bank of the Connecticut River in East Haddam is defined by a chain of seven forested hills known as the Seven Sisters. William Hooker Gillette chose to design and build his “castle,” formally known as the Seventh Sister, on the peak of the southernmost of those hills overlooking the historic landing of the ferry from Hadlyme to Chester and surveying a broad sweep of the river as it widens near Long Island Sound. The 24-room mansion is indeed reminiscent of a medieval fortress on the Rhine River, and its 184-acre natural surroundings are laced with pathways ideal for an easy walk with family and friends. The castle was built to very modern standards for the years 1914-1919: it took 20 men five years to assemble its steel framework and nest thousands of tons of local fieldstone in its walls, and hand-hew the interior woodwork from solid white oak. Gillette himself did most of the design and drafting, incorporating ingenious design tricks which undoubtedly reflected his stage days. The 47 doors – no two identical – sliding table, built-in couches, clever locks, numerous interior windows, and other curious details are hallmarks of this playful, theatric creativity. The expansive grounds were also touched by his imagination. He had a fascination with railroads and operated a miniature train with some three miles of track laid throughout the woodland and granite ledges. Indeed, he delighted in playing the “engineer” of his steam and electric engines for distinguished guests from around the world. The Seventh Sister Short-Line railway once had trestles, bridges, a tunnel, and a Grand Central Station — adorned with two sculptures of cats, among the 60 cat images in and around the estate. Join us as we appreciate Gillette’s eccentric, cheerful genius, and share it with others who visit his home!
© Copyright 2006. Friends of Gillette Castle.